It began its career in the French war, and was
a very veteran in service. Besides this ancient and honorable weapon, I was
provided with all the means and appliances necessary for successful
hunting. I was "armed and equipped as the law directs," to employ the words
of those semi-annual documents that used to summon me to training.
Well, it was sometime before we--Carlo and I--started any game. Wind-mills
were scarce. For one, I began to fear we should have to return without any
adventure to call forth our skill and courage. But the brightest time is
often just before day, and so it was in this instance. Carlo began
presently to bark, and I heard a slight rustling among the leaves in the
woods. Sure enough, there was visible a large animal of some kind, though I
could not determine precisely what it was, on account of the underbrush.
However, I satisfied myself that it was rare game, at any rate; and that
point being settled, I took aim and fired.
Carlo immediately ran to the poor victim. He was a courageous fellow, that
Carlo, especially after the danger was over.
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